The history of
Indian Freedom Struggle would be incomplete
without mentioning the contributions of women.
The sacrifice made by the women of India will
occupy the foremost place. They fought with
true spirit and undaunted courage and faced
various tortures, exploitations and hardships
to earn us freedom.

When most of the
men freedom fighters were in prison the women
came forward and took charge of the struggle.
The list of great women whose names have gone
down in history for their dedication and undying
devotion to the service of India is a long one.

Woman's
participation in India's freedom struggle began
as early as in1817 .Bhima Bai Holkar fought bravely
against the British colonel Malcolm and defeated
him in guerilla warfare. Many women including
Rani Channama of Kittur, Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal
of Avadh fought against British East India company
in the 19th century; 30 years before the “First
War of Independence 1857”

The
role played by women in the War of Independence
(the Great Revolt) of 1857 was creditable and
invited the admiration even leaders of the Revolt.
Rani of Ramgarh, Rani Jindan Kaur, Rani Tace Bai,
Baiza Bai, Chauhan Rani, Tapasvini Maharani daringly
led their troops into the battlefield.

Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi whose heroism and superb
leadership laid an outstanding example of real
patriotism .Indian women who joined the national
movement belonged to educated and liberal families,
as well as those from the rural areas and from
all walk of life, all castes, religions and communities.

Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Vijayalakmi Pundit
and Annie Bezant in the 20th century are the names
which are remembered even today for their singular
contribution both in battlefield and in political
field.

Let us elucidate the role of Indian women who
participated in the freedom struggle against British
East India Company and British Empire and made
great and rich contributions in various ways.